"A self-given nickname?" Johnson said "That's who he wants to be. That's cool."

Johnson tries not to pay attention to trash talk or negative criticism, saying it's important to know when to take it with a grain of salt. But sometimes, he internalizes it and uses it to push him to another level on the field.

"No, I could use," Johnson said. about Sherman's remarks. "I can definitely use it as motivation, no doubt about it."

Lions center Dominic Raiola ,a 12-year veteran, doesn't like the way Sherman carries himself off the field.

"He took a shot at (Tom) Brady, one of the best quarterbacks to ever play, he's taking shots at coaches, whatever, that's disrespectful to this game. Maybe he doesn't have a lot of respect. Who knows?"

Sherman isn't all talk. The 6-foot-3 cornerback has been backing it up with his actions, leading the NFL with 11 pass defenses and is one behind the league leaders with three interceptions.

He's part of a over-sized and overtly physical secondary that has been dominating opponents this season. Johnson looks at the scheme Seattle plays on defense and sees opportunities to make plays against their man coverage.

Raiola thinks Sherman's words might come back to bit him.

"I think for a guy like (Johnson), you'd wake him up, you'd wake a monster up."